We track down empty houses and refurbish them, bringing them back into use as good quality, energy efficient homes. Long term unemployed volunteers work with us on the refurbishments, developing skills and confidence and gaining work experience. Once the homes are complete, we house homeless people and provide the support they need to settle in. We also have an award winning training workshop, Hands On, where we run short beginners courses in DIY, joinery and plumbing.
Why the community needs usWe create three key benefits for the community: by bringing rundown empty homes back into use, we reduce associated problems such as anti-social behaviour and improve the appearance of the neighbourhood; by providing volunteer opportunities we help long term unemployed people gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to find work; and we create new, good quality, affordable homes for homeless people.
Our impact on the communityIn 2012-13, we brought 4 empty homes back into use, provided training and work experience opportunities for 22 people, provided housing for 76 homeless individuals and families, supported 23 people with housing and other issues, and trained 57 people in practical skills through our workshop.
We welcome unemployed volunteers on to our house refurbishment projects. We are also looking for volunteers with professional skills to join our Management Committee. Please contact us if you'd like more information.